Portsmouth staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital make final wish for donations to patients facing Christmas in hospital

Thousands of donations usually fill back rooms and corridors at the Queen Alexandra Hospital waiting to be given out to those facing Christmas in hospital.

But this year due to the coronavirus pandemic the Cosham hospital will be unable to accept any donations.

Instead Portsmouth Hospitals Charity and The News launched a Secret Santa Appeal for supporters to donate cash that can be spent on presents for patients and staff are making a final call for donations.

Kate Sandys, head of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, said: ‘We know that staying in hospital on Christmas day is the last place anyone would wish to be so Portsmouth Hospitals Charity is working hard to bring our patients some festive cheer!

‘We are aiming to raise funds to purchase a small gift for every patient staying with us on the day, so this is a final call to help us achieve this.

‘We know how generous and supportive our local communities and businesses are, so hope you will be able to help. Thank you to everyone for their support this year, we appreciate it more than we can ever say.’

The hospital’s charity has also an Amazon wishlist for presents for the children’s and neonatal departments.

Chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Mark Cubbon, added: ‘We know that Christmas will be different this year and we want to do all that we can to ensure our patients feel able to celebrate the festive season wherever possible.’

To donate online visit justgiving.com/campaign/christmasphc

SEE ALSO: Why is Portsmouth in tier three? Public health boss explains why and says 'virus won't be taking a holiday at Christmas'

Any messages with a donation will be included on a gift tag for a patient.

To donate via text message, text CHRISTMASPHC plus the amount you wish to donate to 70085. For example if you wish to donate £5 you should text CHRISTMASPHC 5 to 70085.

Each text will cost your donation plus your standard network charge. You must be aged 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission.

To purchase a gift from the Amazon wishlist visit amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/10SA1MNC20YOB

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